We share with our fellow Americans the sense of shock and horror that goes beyond words in response to the apparent terrorist attacks this morning. We offer our prayers for the victims, and support to those

who have lost loved ones and friends and to those injured as a result of these tragedies.

SGI President Ikeda immediately responded with the following message: 'I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the people of the United States.Let us work for kosen-rufu in order to create peace in the United States and in the world.'

The evil of terrorism is intended to threaten and intimidate. It creates a feeling of helplessness and attempts to splinter society. Now is not the time to be intimidated. The darkest moment offers the opportunity for the most profound change. Nichiren Daishonin states: 'If you care anything about your personal security, you should first of all pray for order and tranquillity throughout the four quarters of the land' (The Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, p. 24). As Bodhisattvas of the Earth, let's arouse great confidence in the power of our united prayer and action for peace.

This tragedy awakens us to the stark reality that our movement for world peace is crucial. Our Victory Over Violence campaign is exactly the kind of engaged Buddhist action that is making a difference. As President Ikeda writes in For the Sake of Peace, 'Peace is not something to be left to others in distant places. It is something we create day to day in our efforts to cultivate care and consideration for others, forging bonds of friendship and trust in our respective communities through our own actions and example' (p. 212).

At this time, let us give our fellow members and citizens confidence, Inspired by the conviction that our efforts for kosen-rufu are clearly the antidote to all suffering.

Please use your best judgment in canceling or scheduling activities in your respective areas. We continue to pray for the health and safety of every SGI-USA member, their families and all humanity.

September 11, 2001 SGI-USA Statement Regarding the Terrorist Attacks On New York and Washington, D.C.

On the occasion of the apparent terrorist attacks on the cities of New York and Washington, DC, Soka Gakkai International (SGI) -USA General Director Daniel Nagashima offered the following statement:

We share with our fellow Americans the sense of shock and horror that goes beyond words in response to the explosions Tuesday morning at the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon, and the plane crash in Western Pennsylvania. While we do not yet know the full extent of loss, we know it is great, and our hearts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been lost in this tragedy.

'I call on all SGI-USA members to offer both their prayers and other assistance where possible to comfort those affected by this catastrophe.

'The cycle of hatred, violence and retribution that lies at the root of this horror must end. I fully understand the desire for justice that arises when a tragedy like this occurs. It is my deepest hope, however, that our nations response will not be driven by a blind desire for vengeance, but rather a renewed determination to work for a peaceful and just world. The single great evil that must be opposed is not one group of people or another, but rather the hatred that continues to find root in human hearts.

Lets now put our energies toward comforting those who are suffering. Then let us work to rise from the ashes of hatred with a sense of hope and resolve.